Dreams do come true. When people dream about opening a coffee shop someday, those fantasies usually involve a tropical paradise, an easy going crew, and — if you dream a little bigger — a global, cult following. This fantasy is a daily reality for the free sprited people of El Union Coffee of San Juan, La Union. Known as “Surf Town, LU” in the Philippines, there’s a whole different vibe in this coffee shop. People often enjoy conversations, making new friends. And this is why El Union has become the purveyor of La Union’s now famous surftown vibe. As one of the pioneering shops in a recent boom for the area, they created and influenced a community of adventurous and simultaneously easy going people. Visit them on weekdays so you can enjoy your cup and apprieciate their interior better. Visit on weekends to enjoy the rush and buzz of the crowds flocking in for that must-photograph “Dirty White.”
Breakfast is an exciting time in the surf town of San Juan, La Union. One of our go-to spots is El Union Coffee, where they serve a number of our childhood favorites. Buttery grilled cheese, sweet s’mores, fluffy pancakes, and waffles that are pretty close to perfect. These pancakes are paired well with their cafe mocha. Or for a cold drink option, go for their own version of horchata. Grab brunch after a sunrise surf session and enjoy a conversation with their friendly surfer baristas.
